MY PRINCE HUSBAND HAS SEVEN WIVES AND I AM HIS FAVOURITE!

After an entire day of scheming and strategizing, Hua Jing was exhausted. Her mind had been running in circles, mapping out possibilities, analyzing threats, and ensuring that every move she made from now on would bring her closer to the throne.

Becoming Empress.

She knew what needed to be done. The path was set before her. But at this moment? She needed to unwind.

She leaned back against the cushioned chair, stretching her sore arms as she exhaled deeply. Her gaze flickered toward Xia Lin, who stood nearby, looking at her cautiously as if expecting her to come up with another impossible plan.

But Hua Jing smirked.

"I want to go out."

Xia Lin’s eyes widened. "No way!"

"Yes, way."

"My Lady, that is impossible!" Xia Lin’s voice pitched slightly, her hands gripping the edge of the wooden table. "You cannot leave the palace just like that. You are a consort. If the prince comes and—"

Hua Jing waved a hand dismissively. "He won’t come."

"But—"

"And if he does, I’ll chase him away."

Xia Lin gasped. "Chase away the prince?! My Lady, have you forgotten that you need to seduce him?"

Hua Jing blinked knowingly. "Doesn’t matter. I still need to go out."

Xia Lin rubbed her temples in frustration. "My Lady, this is reckless! Consorts are not supposed to leave the palace without the prince. Unless there is an imperial decree, you must remain inside the palace walls. It is the rule! You could get caught, and if the Emperor finds out—"

Hua Jing picked at her ears lazily, waiting for Xia Lin to finish her tirade.

Once the maid finally fell silent, she leaned forward, resting her chin on her palm. "Are you done?"

Xia Lin huffed. "No, I am not done—"

"Get me my disguise."

Xia Lin threw her hands up in defeat. "My Lady, I cannot—"

Hua Jing grinned. "I’ll be back before midnight, I promise."

"No way—"

"Thirty minutes." Hua Jing cut her off smoothly.

Thirty minutes later, Hua Jing stood in front of the mirror, admiring her reflection.

Her disguise? Perfect. 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝓮𝒘𝙚𝙗𝒏𝙤𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝒐𝙢

She looked at Xia Lin, "Where were you hiding this beauty?"

She winked.

Xia Lin Shrugged then scoffed

Dressed in the attire of a noble young master, she wore a dark embroidered robe with golden accents, layered over an inner white tunic. The fabric was of fine quality, befitting someone of high status, yet simple enough not to draw too much attention.

A thin mustache sat neatly above her lips.

Her long hair was tied up in a high ponytail, fastened with a jade hairpin, the few loose strands framing her striking features.

She looked dangerously handsome.

Even Xia Lin blushed before quickly looking away, fanning herself dramatically. "This... This is dangerous."

Hua Jing smirked. "I know."

Xia Lin sighed, still flustered. "You have to be back by midnight. I will keep watch for you. If it gets past midnight, the palace gates will be locked, and you will be trapped outside."

Hua Jing patted her shoulder reassuringly. "I’ll be back."

With that, she stepped into the night.

---

The cool night air greeted her as she strolled past the palace corridors, drinking in the beauty of the imperial grounds.

For the first time since entering the palace, she felt... free.

Golden lanterns lined the pathways, their warm glow illuminating the carved stone walkways. The scent of blooming night jasmine drifted through the breeze, blending with the faint aroma of incense from the distant temples.

Hua Jing inhaled deeply, savoring the moment.

No scheming.

No politics.

No threats.

Just her and the night.

She wandered leisurely, admiring the intricate architecture, the towering pagodas, the moonlit pavilions, and the elegant bridges that arched over tranquil lotus ponds.

She had to admit—the palace was breathtaking.

Yet, her gaze soon drifted beyond the palace walls, toward the bustling city beyond.

A mischievous glint sparkled in her eyes.

---

After bribing one of the outer guards with a few silver taels (which she had conveniently ’borrowed’ from Zhao Yan’s study), Hua Jing slipped past the palace gates unnoticed.

The moment she stepped into the city streets, the atmosphere changed entirely.

The imperial city was alive, even at night.

Merchants called out their wares from colorful stalls, the scent of roasted meats, sweet pastries, and fragrant teas filling the air.

Performers entertained crowds in the open squares—musicians played flutes and guzhengs, dancers twirled gracefully, and fire breathers captivated onlookers with their daring tricks.

Children ran through the streets, their laughter echoing between the wooden buildings, while groups of nobles sat at outdoor teahouses, sipping wine and engaging in heated discussions about court politics.

Hua Jing grinned. This was exactly what she needed.

---

She wandered through the lively streets, stopping now and then to watch a street performer or to steal a bite of freshly steamed buns from a distracted vendor.

She felt light, unburdened.

For the first time in a long time, she was not a consort, not a strategist, not someone fighting for survival.

She was simply Hua Jing, enjoying the night.

Then...

A soft, melodic tune caught her ear.

Her steps slowed as she followed the sultry music, weaving through the crowd until she found herself standing before a grand, lavishly decorated building.

A large silk banner hung at the entrance, embroidered with golden characters.

A brothel.

The rich aroma of incense and fragrant oils filled the air, mingling with the sweet scent of perfumed flowers and fine wine.

The entrance was grand, draped in flowing silks of crimson and gold, swaying lightly in the evening breeze.

Soft laughter and whispers spilled from within, accompanied by the delicate, seductive notes of a guzheng being played by nimble fingers.

The tune was silky, sultry, and dangerously hypnotic, wrapping around Hua Jing like a warm embrace.

Beautifully dressed women in flowing, embroidered robes sauntered across the hallways, their jeweled hairpins glinting under the lantern light.

Some sat beside wealthy patrons, their laughter melodic, their gestures elegant yet teasing.

Hua Jing’s eyes gleamed with amusement as she took it all in.

This was it!

"Oh?" She grinned, pointing at the entrance.

"Let’s go!"